Hey book lovers! The Orlando Book Festival is rolling back into town on Saturday, May 17 at the Orlando Public Library, and trust me — this is THE place to be if you’re all about books, writing, and meeting some seriously cool authors. Plus? It’s totally free. No catch!
This year’s festival is bursting with all the fun stuff: author panels, writing workshops, Q&As, and, of course, book signings. Whether you’re into thrilling mysteries, swoon-worthy romances, magical fantasies, or anything in between, you’ll find your vibe here.
Meet Your Next Favorite Author Squad
Okay, the lineup is next-level amazing. Here are some of the fab authors you can meet (in alphabetical order because we’re neat like that):
- Amy Christine Parker — YA thriller queen with five buzz-worthy books.
- Ana Siqueira — Tampa-based children’s book author and Spanish teacher with award-winning stories.
- Brad Meltzer — The legend himself: Emmy-nominated and #1 New York Times bestselling author of thrillers and inspiring nonfiction for all ages.
- Christina Farley — Romantic fantasy storyteller inspired by travel and family adventures.
- C.I. Jerez — Rocking strong Latina heroines with her debut novel out this year.
- David James Poissant — Award-winning storyteller and UCF MFA pro.
- Ginny Myers Sain — New York Times bestselling teen thriller author with fresh hits coming your way.
- Gaby Triana — Super prolific Cuban-American author with tons of YA and adult horror books.
- Kait Ballenger — Romantasy guru obsessed with morally gray heroes and spicy paranormal stories, Florida local.
- Lori Gold — Author of ROMANTIC FRICTION and a bunch of other cool novels for adults and teens.
- Owl Goingback — Horror master with lifetime achievement awards and all the spooky cred.
- Phyllis Biffle Elmore — Amazon bestseller and Library Journal’s Best Book of 2022 winner.
- Racquel Henry — Writer, editor, coach, and boss of Writer’s Atelier.
- Raquel V. Reyes — Miami-born Cuban-American author whose crime series is hitting the TV screen soon!
- Rochelle Weinstein — Bestselling author and monthly book columnist with South Florida roots.
- Sarah Penner — New York Times bestselling mystery author with The Lost Apothecary and millions of fans worldwide.
- Sarah Zachrich Jeng — UF grad who writes suspenseful, speculative novels. Latest is When I’m Her.
- SK Golden — Cozy mystery and crime caper writer from the Florida Keys.
- Vivi Barnes — YA author of Olivia Twisted and more, plus co-author of a cool middle-grade novel.
Don’t Miss Brad Meltzer’s Keynote and Book Signing
Brad Meltzer, our superstar author, will be dropping his keynote speech at 2 PM — think epic writing tips and stories that’ll inspire you to pick up a pen (or keyboard) ASAP. Make sure to register early if you wanna snag a seat!
At 3 PM, stick around for the big book signing bash where you can get your favorite books signed. Quick heads-up: Brad will sign up to two items per person, but no posed photos during his signing.
The Need-to-Knows
- Where: Orlando Public Library, Downtown Orlando
- When: Saturday, May 17, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Cost: Freeeeee!
- Keynote: Registration required (don’t sleep on this!)
Whether you’re there to discover your next read, learn a thing or two, or just vibe with fellow book lovers, the Orlando Book Festival has you covered. Pack your tote bag, bring your questions, and get ready for a day full of stories, laughs, and inspiration.
Get all the deets and register for the keynote here!
Parking and Food Hacks to Keep Your Day Smooth
Parking:
Downtown can get busy, so here’s the lowdown:
- The library’s own parking garage is right there and easy to use (paid parking — bring your cards or cash).
- You can also hit up the nearby S. Rosalind Garage or Wall Street Garage — just a short stroll away!
- Wanna save some $$? Street parking might be your jam, but watch those meters and time limits!
Food and Drinks:
Fuel up without straying too far! Here are some tasty spots just a quick walk from the library:
- Le Cafe de Paris — Cute pastries and coffee vibes that hit the spot.
- Gringos Locos — Casual tacos and crave-worthy eats to keep you going.
- Hunger Street Tacos — Authentic Mexican flavors close by.
- Se7en Bites — Comfort food and sweet treats that feel like a warm hug.
- Lineage Coffee Roasting — Quality coffee to keep your energy up.
- Market on South — A trendy food hall with a bunch of cool eats and drinks in a chill setting.
Pro tip: Bring a refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated while you soak up all the bookish fun!
Ready to get your read on? The Orlando Book Festival is calling — can’t wait to see you there!
Sarah Eldraine
Sarah Eldraine, from Miami, is a creative soul, passionate about comic books, gaming, and writing. She weaves narratives in her writing, just as she navigates storylines in her favorite comics and games, embodying the spirit of adventure and storytelling that defines her hobbies.
